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Telecom
Outlook 2003
December
6, 2002
ITU, Cisco
Systems to expand Internet training centre initiative
HONGKONG
-- The ITU and Cisco Systems Inc., announced a significant
milestone in the Internet Training Centre Initiative
for Developing Countries (ITCI-DC). The initiative,
a model for public-private partnership, has now more
than 26 centres worldwide. Significantly, 807 students
currently enrolled in this initiative are now armed
with skills to face the challenge of the new economy.
In the Asia Pacific region, eight centres have been
signed up with another four fixed to join by the end
of the year.
The
ITCI-DC is an initiative between ITU and the private
sector in which Cisco Systems is a key partner. The
centres provide students in developing countries an
affordable and relevant training and education using
face-to-face and Web-based curriculum. The Cisco Networking
Academy Program trains students to design, build and
maintain small to medium-sized IP based networks.
Beyond
the first phase, ITU has agreed to extend its collaboration
with Cisco to offer the sponsored curriculum. Under
this new arrangement, the ITCI-DC will now incorporate
curriculum modules on Java, Unix, voice and data cabling,
and IT essentials.
Under
this initiative, fifty training centres will be established
by the end of 2003 to address an acute shortage of skilled
networking and IT professionals in the developing world.
One of the objectives of each Internet training centre
is to strengthen Internet skills within the staff of
the national telecom operator(s). The ITU will encourage
each Internet training centre to develop 'win-win' agreements
with the operator. These could include an agreement
to provide employment opportunities for graduating students.
Contact:
Cisco Systems
Tel: 65-6317- 5555
Email: loei@cisco.com
Web: www.cisco.com
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